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Chapter Text

It had been two years since the members of Teams RWBY and JNPR enrolled in Beacon Academy and formed their teams. They had grown a lot since then. Jaune Arc unlocked his Semblance of Aura Amp and became a more competent leader. Weiss Schnee learned how to use her Summons from her Glyphs. Yang Xiao Long had lost an arm in a training mission, but was promptly given a new prosthetic arm by General James Ironwood, as a favor to Professor Ozpin. Lie Ren learned how to read spikes in people's emotions. Nora Valkyrie gained scars after over exerting her body with her Semblance. And most notably, Ruby Rose learned about her Silver Eye power, allowing her to destroy or petrify the creatures of Grimm.

The beginning of a new school year at Beacon Academy. Several new students enrolled to the Academy, and had since formed their teams. Teams RWBY and JNPR had gathered in the amphitheatre, with Ruby moving about in excitement. The new first year students passed through, clinging to their respective teams.

"Ohh, I can't wait to greet the new students!" Ruby exclaimed, excitedly looking at the new first-year students.

"Greet them, or their weapons?"

Nora and Blake giggled as Ruby shot Yang a mildly annoyed look. "You can't prove anything!"

"I, for one, agree with Ruby." Weiss interjected. "We should make the new generations of Huntsmen and Huntresses feel welcome."

Blake then spoke up. "But hopefully not overwhelmed."

"A group of eight third-year students may have that effect." Ren agreed while nodding.

"I concur. Jaune, would you- ...Jaune?" Pyrrha began to speak up.

It was at this point the group realized Ruby, Jaune, and Nora were missing. Looking up, the three were on the other side of the room, excitedly looking at a holographic display of the new teams. The others then begrudgingly walked over to join them.

"Teams STRA, TOPZ, and STRM..."

"...CCLA, EKKO, CRRY..."

"...SWKR, PLLM, TNDR... Ooh! Ooh! How about this one? Team TRTL?"

By now, the others had joined them, looking over the teams as well. Though their faces weren't shown on the display, Team TRTL's letters showed the colors of green, blue, pink, and black respectively for each letter. Ruby touched the team name on the display, causing it to display their profiles: Ben Tennyson, Rook Blonko, Gwen Tennyson, Kevin Levin.

"'Tennyson,' huh?" Yang cocked an eyebrow.

"What are the chances two teams would end up with relatives on them?" Nora joked.

"Three teams, actually."

The group was surprised as Professor Ozpin suddenly popped into the conversation, taking a sip of hot chocolate from his mug. "Counting Team STRQ, that is."

"Professor Ozpin!" Ruby waved as she greeted him.

"Hello, students. I see you've taken an interest in this semester's first-year students."

"Everyone's a first-year at some point. It'd be nice to show some of them the ropes." Jaune said.

"Hm. How fortuitous." Ozpin spoke while overlooking the two teams.

Weiss appeared curious. "What do you mean?"

"Professor Goodwitch. She was considering doing more rigorous combat courses this semester. I don't suppose you eight would be willing to help?"

Both teams immediately became excited at the idea, very clearly agreeing to it.

A large holographic screen scrolled through the first-year team names before finally landing on Team TRTL. Professor Glynda Goodwitch stepped forward. She was an adult woman with blonde hair and green eyes, the latter of which rested behind small rounded glasses. She wore a white dress top with a large opening on the chest area. For the lower clothing, she had a black skirt overtop dark purple leggings, and black boots. Alongside this was a black cape with a purple underside, and stylized to fray into arrow shapes, looking almost like demon tails.

"Team TRTL." Glynda spoke. "Your team will be practicing against Team RWBY. One member at a time, please."

Yang took the center stage before the bleachers of students. Kevin Levin approached. He wore a black shirt with grey shoulder markings overtop a striped darker grey undershirt. He had slightly ripped blue jeans and black combat boots. Overtop his shirt were silver holsters, and around his neck was a padlock necklace. On the necklace was the number eleven stylized to look like two lightning bolts.

Glynda glanced up at him over her glasses. "No weapon, Mr. Levin?"

"I don't need a weapon. With my Semblance...

Kevin squatted down, placing his hand to the concrete of the floor. Upon doing so, his body became coated in the same material, and he stood back up with a cocky smirk.

"I am the weapon."

Yang aimed her arms back, and fired both her Ember Celica gauntlet and the shotgun in her robotic prosthetic, using the recoil to launch herself at Kevin. Flying through the air, she attempted to land a punch on Kevin, who simply grabbed hold of her fist with one hand, and the other hand changed into a large sledgehammer head which he used to knock her back. Whilst being knocked away, Yang spun in the air and landed on her feet, returning Kevin's smirk to him.

"Nice hit. But you're not the only one with an absorbing Semblance."

Yang took a readying stance, and put out her hand, taunting Kevin with a "come here" motion. Kevin then promptly changed his arms into blades and charged towards Yang; Yang, meanwhile, took a deep breath and closed her eyes, which then abruptly opened to show them as red instead of lilac, and he hair lit on fire. Drawing her hand back, she plunged it right into Kevin's torso, cracking the concrete armor over his body, Ember Celica then fired, launching Kevin back at an incredible speed. As he neared the ground, Kevin jabbed both blade arms into the ground, slowing him to a halt as he took a few deep breaths, then smiled up at Yang.

Kevin: I always love a challenge.

Kevin pulled his hands from the ground then rushed at Yang. This attacked acted as a transition, as Blake used her Shadows Semblance to dodge pink blasts of energy. Using Gambol Shroud's grappling hook function, Blake swung herself around to try to kick Gwen Tennyson, but was blocked by her putting up a pink energy shield and shoving her away with it. 

Gwen had vibrant orange hair done up in a short ponytail, and green eyes, though the latter flashed pink each time she used one of the pink blasts; overtop her eyes were a pair of blue glasses. Her top attire was a red dress shirt underneath a navy blue vest, while her bottom wear was comprised of a blue plaid skirt overtop black leggings, and black boots. Blake landed and steadied herself. Along her right arm were six round talismans, each with different markings. Around her waist, she wore a light blue sash, which bore a black cat mask attached to the side.

"And what would your Semblance be?" Blake caught her breath after examining the girl's attacks. "Magic?"

"If you want to call it that." Gwen explained. "I can extend my Aura into physical energy, and three of my Charms help with that."

Blake began rushing Gwen with another attack. "And the other three?"

"Dust." Gwen smirked.

Gwen used an Aura construct that was laced with Fire Dust from one of her Charms, creating a small explosion which acted as the next transition. Weiss' Myrtenaster came in contact with a blade made of Hard Light Dust, coming from the weapon held by Rook Blonko.

Rook had short, periwinkle hair with black stripes. His outfit was an armor made of a light material colored blue and black, with several pouches on his belt and arms. Orange spikes decorated the outfit, and he had tan bandages wrapped around his left hand. His eyes were colored a gradient of orange and yellow, and a cat tail matching the color and patterns of his hair stuck out from his lower back. Rook switched his Proto-Tool into its tonfa form, using its odd shape to dislodge Myrtenaster from Weiss' grip and disarm her.

Weiss then put up Glyphs to block the melee attacks from Rook, the last of which summoned a Boarbatusk which caught Rook off guard while ramming him. An opening now available, Weiss scooped up Myrtenaster, held it in front of her face with her right hand's first two fingers held against the base, and used more Glyphs to fire crystals of Ice Dust towards Rook, who used his Acrobatics Semblance to dodge each with incredible ease.

"You don't do a lot of talking, huh?" Weiss commented.

"We are in combat. I do not understand the need for, or obsession with, banter during a fight." Rook flatly responded.

On the sidelines, Kevin rolled his eyes as the comment. The Boarbastusk summon spun around and ran for Rook from behind, though the latter jumped up and onto its back before leaping from it, the Proto-Tool changing into a bow and arrow form before firing at Weiss. One of the Hard Light arrows passing by acted as a transition, as Ruby's Petal Burst form spun across the room before coming to a stop, Ruby seamlessly pulling out Crescent Rose and shifting it into the scythe form and slamming it into the ground, firing off different kinds of Dust bullet rounds at Ben Tennyson, who dodged each one.

Ben had brown hair, and eyes matching Gwen's. Ben's outfit was uniquely... him. He had a biker jacket on, the sleeves of which were black, as well as the shoulders of the torso, while the rest was green. He had green elbow pads, and brown gloves. His cargo pants were stark white, and he had black and green combat boots. On the left pectoral of his jacket as a slight extension of the black pattern, and a green hourglass emblem rested there.

"Missed." Ben dodged. "Missed." Ben dodged again, then just barely didn't dodge again. "Heh."

Ben rushed directly towards Ruby, dodging any bullets that came his way again. He jumped right as an Earth Dust bullet shot near his feet, and used the resulting rock construct to leap up and towards Ruby, surprising her when he landed atop her weapon. He bore a cocky smirk which quickly faded as he fell to the ground, Ruby having used Petal Burst to move, then spin around to fire off three bullets at him. Much to her surprise, the bullets had not made contact with Ben. Rather, they made contact with a Hard Light Dust shield, which deactivated and caused the bullets to fall to the ground. The shield had been put up by an odd watch on Ben's wrist that had been obscured prior; it was much bulkier than any practical watch, and the faceplate had a green hourglass.

"That will do for today." Glynda called the match. "Tomorrow, we'll have a different group train with Team JNPR. Mr. Tennyson." She turned her attention towards Ben.

"Yes, Professor Goodwitch?"

"While your reliance on your more physical attributes is definitely helpful, I would recommend a more proper use of your weapon and Semblance next time. A Huntsman needs to be prepared to use any and all resources at their disposal. That will be all."

Glynda took her leave, and the other students began getting ready to leave. Ben's demeanor changed from a confident smile to one of a disgruntled nature, looking down at the watch on his wrist with a sigh.

"...Yeah. My Semblance. ...Right."

Teams RWBY and TRTL sat together in the cafeteria, across from one another at a table. Though the others talked in an upbeat fashion, Ben remained quiet, looking down at the watch worn on his left wrist.

"You guys were so good!" Ruby yelped excitedly.

"For first-years." Yang snickered.

"Where did you guys learn to fight before coming here?" Blake inquired.

Kevin was the first to speak up. "I grew up in Vacuo. It's just a thing that comes with being there. If you can survive, you're welcome to live there."

"I trained with my former master Kundo in the village of Revonnah, in the middle of Anima. However, I eventually had formal training in Atlas before deciding to attend Beacon." Rook elaborated.

"Ben and I trained with our Grandpa Max since we were ten." Gwen said. "He used to be a Huntsmen, but retired after an accident took his arm. He helped us get weapons that aid us with our Semblances."

Yang glanced down at her own robotic prosthetic in response to this. Ben had a mimicked posture, glaring down at the watch which had a slight glow in its hourglass.

"Speaking of which..." Ruby spoke. "Ben. What's your Semblance?"

Kevin rolled his eyes at the comment, while Gwen's face grew concerned. Rook, however, remained stoic, and Ben lost his composure as he looked up at Ruby.

"...I... I um... I-I..."

Despite Team RWBY waiting for a response, Ben anxiously stood himself up, facing away from the group. "...I-I'm gonna get some air."

Ben straightened his jacket and headed for the exit, prompting Team RWBY to look confused and concerned, while Gwen lamented silently. She would have explained it to them, but it wasn't her place.

Ben sat alone at a table in the courtyard; his head rested in his right hand, and he looked down at his watch still. Its glow almost taunted him.

"Trouble fitting in?"

Ben jumped and looked up, startled, as he saw Professor Ozpin had come in to the scene.

"Heh. No need to be frightened, I'm just here to talk."

"P-Professor Ozpin." Ben calmed down some from the slight scare.

Ozpin sat down across from Ben. "Having some trouble with your Semblance, I hear?"

"...Not exactly. Can't really have trouble with something you don't use."

"Hm. True. Though, conversely, you also cannot make strides to better said something if you refuse to use it."

"Believe it or not, you're not the first person that's told me that."

"Maxwell, I presume?" Ozpin inquired, then chuckled a bit when he noticed Ben's surprised face. "You'd be surprised who I know, Benjamin. Tell me. Why do you have such trepidation regarding your Semblance?"

Ben shifted awkwardly in his seat upon hearing the question, but sighed, figuring there was no way out of the conversation this time.

"...Semblances are unique. Manifestations of our souls, and according to some... even related to our personalities. Even genetic ones like the Schnee Glyphs have some personal uniqueness to them. But mine... Is ten times as unique. And with that comes fear. When I use my Semblance, I feel fear and pain. And what it does to me... Can scare others. Unless there's no other option, I prefer to not use it."

Ozpin pondered Ben's statement in silence for a moment, then spoke up.

"The fear of what one can do is not misplaced. Some people don't always know their own strength, and some are all too aware of it, and both can result in fear of using what is at their disposal. Still. That fear can be used to moderate you, but you should not let it control you. If you can't put proper trust in your own abilities, after all, then what reason does the rest of your team have to put their trust in you?"

Ben was a bit caught off guard, but looked away as he silently reflected on what was said. Sipping from his mug again, Ozpin got up, and placed a hand on Ben's shoulder as he walked by.

"Just some food for thought, Mr. Tennyson. What you do with this knowledge is your choice."

Ozpin proceeded to leave the courtyard, leaving Ben to further reflect on the conversation.

Ruby stood in one of Beacon's training halls, pacing back and forth as if waiting on something or someone. She turned upon hearing the door to the room open and close, and smiled when she saw Ben entering.

"Hey."

"Hi. Thanks for coming."

"Of course." Ruby watched as Ben approached. "You said you wanted another training exercise?"

"Yeah, yeah. But..." Ben once again looked down at his arm, near where the watch rested on his wrist.

Ruby looked concern. "What is it?"

"...I'm going to be using my Semblance this time." Ruby's face lit up with excitement when Ben said this, but then turned to confusion after his next statement. "...But I need you to promise not to freak out."

"Why would I freak out?"

Ben hesitated, then sighed. He was in too deep to back out now. "Just... Just promise."

Ruby paused. She was a bit confused, but she was determined to get to know these new students. "Okay. I promise not to freak out."

Ben nodded in acknowledgement, then took a deep breath as he lifted up his arm, pulling the sleeve back to expose his watch.

"This is my weapon. Azmuth, the man who created it for me, named it the Omnitrix. It holds ten different types of Dust cartridges, one of which you saw earlier: Hard-Light."

Ben activated the Omnitrix, causing the hourglass core to pop up. The hourglass formed into a rhombus. He spun the core, selecting the Hard-Light icon.

"And for an example of something else..." Ben then selected the Rock Dust cartridge alongside the Hard-Light one. "When I activate the Omnitrix... I get to use my Semblance."

"Which is?"

"It's... Hero Time."

Ben pressed down on the core of the Omnitrix. His green Aura flashed over his body as the energy from the device powered the two cartridges simultaneously. He cried out in pain during this, with rocks forming over his body, which flashed multiple colors due to the Hard Light Dust. Ruby averted her eyes, as the entire ordeal had created a blinding green light in the area. Along with the rocks, crystals jutted out from Ben's back and chest, with his face and hands becoming crystalline in nature. The green light died down and "Ben's" heavy breathing could be heard. Ruby slowly looked back at him, gasping and going wide eyed, as he had taken on an entirely new form: Chromastone. The scene then went black.

Chapter Text

Mistral, one of the four kingdoms of Remnant, and the capital city of Anima. It was the home of Haven Academy, and an insanely powerful crime organization known as the Spiders running the under city. To most, it certainly didn't seem like the place to vacation.

But that didn't stop Max Tennyson. He was always known as an eccentric, especially in regards to his taste in food. If it weren't for the fact Grimm disappear upon death, he'd likely add them to his daily cuisine. His taste in exploration was equally eccentric. He'd been planning a trip around Remnant's main kingdoms for quite some time now, hoping to take his grandchildren on the trip once their summer break between semesters began. And it was finally time.

A tunnel led into the main city through a mountain. Reaching the end and stepping into the sunlight, Max stretched his arms while taking in the view. He only technically needed to stretch one arm, given his right was a prosthetic, but he did it anyway; whether this was a force of habit or another eccentricity in acting like his prosthetic was natural was anyone's guess. He turned back to the tunnel with a smirk.

"Come on, kids! I'm the old one, you should be faster than me."

Out of the tunnel ran two excited kids, younger versions of Ben and Gwen. Ben wore a white shirt with black details overtop a long sleeve green shirt, green shorts, and black shoes overtop his long white sports socks. Gwen wore a two-toned blue shirt with a cat face on the chest, brown shorts, and white shoes.

Following them was a third child, showing far less outward excitement. He appeared like Ben, but with white hair and bright red eyes. He wore a shirt with the same pattern as Ben's, though it was black with red details. He had dark grey jeans and black shoes, and wore a single red glove on his right hand.

Ben and Gwen peered over the railing at the expansive city sprawling across the mountains. Mistral had to use every inch of the land they had.

Gwen turned to Max. "Where are we going first, Grandpa?" Her eyes then lit up as an idea popped into her head. "Oh! Can we go to Haven Academy?!"

Ben turned to her with a disinterested look. "You really wanna make this trip boring on the first day?"

"Hey!" Gwen sneered at him. "If it weren't for the academies, we wouldn't have Huntsmen and Huntresses! And without them, not only would we not be safe, we wouldn't have the Vytal Festival. And I know you wouldn't want that."

Ben took a moment to ponder her words. "...Okay, fair enough."

"I've got a tour of Haven booked, but that's for later." Max interjected. "For now, I've got something planned I think you'll really enjoy. All three of you."

Max somberly looked at Albedo, silently noting he still wasn't showing much excitement.

On the outer edge of the city stood a tall building with multiple layers, each one smaller than the one below it, almost as if someone took Shade Academy from Vacuo and made it significantly thinner. At the top of the building was an hourglass symbol painted green and black. This was the lab of Azmuth.

It was true that most associated Atlas with great minds and advanced technology, but Azmuth preferred Mistral's dichotomy to the hustle and bustle of the city in the sky. Plus, being in a less scientifically advanced area helped him to study nature and advance this area of society more than he would be able to in Atlas.

Of course, there was an additional factor. Azmuth was a Faunus. Realistically, he could pass as human, given his trait wasn't particularly obvious unless he felt like snatching a fly out of the air with his frog tongue. Mistral wasn't too kind to Faunus, much like most places on Remnant, but he considered it better than Atlas, especially as Haven's Headmaster, Leonardo Lionheart, was also a Faunus, giving the marginalized group a role to look up to.

When the Tennyson's entered the building, they were greeted by a middle aged woman with red eyes. Her "hair" was green, and actually comprised of squid tentacles, denoting her status as a Faunus. She wore a red outfit resembling armor, with spikes on the shoulders and forearms. The outfit had gaps revealing her upper arms and thighs. A black geometric pattern broke up the red of her outfit.

"Greetings, welcome to Galvan Prime Laboratories."

"Hi there." Max said with a smile. "We're here for the tour. Name: Tennyson."

"Yes, we've been expecting you. My name is Myaxx, one of Azmuth's many assistants here. Come, I'll be your tour guide."

Myaxx led the group down the westward hallway. Max, Ben, and Gwen followed. Albedo took a moment, looking around and pondering.

"...Hm."

He then went to catch up with the rest.

Myaxx led the group into an elevator, and pressed the highest number button before the doors closed.

"We'll be going to the top, then working our way back down."

Max cocked an eyebrow. "So then, does that mean..."

"Indeed. You're going to be meeting Azmuth right away."

Ben and Gwen had surprised looks that turned to excited smiles as they turned to each other. Albedo for the most part was still somber, but had a cocked eyebrow similar to Max's.

The elevator eventually stopped, and opened up into a small laboratory with a ceiling that was entirely windows, and a blue slate floor. All kinds of odd inventions decorated the walls... and the floor, too, if necessary.

A large, round suit of power armor. A seemingly normal sword. A black cylindrical object with green circuitry. A trapezoidal creation, also decorated black with green circuits. A cube decorated with circuits, this time blue. A gauntlet-like object colored green with an hourglass at the center top, almost shield-like in shape. A small, elongated object painted green and silver, with the end having four prongs and a green orb in the center.

Azmuth stood up from a chair once the group entered. He was an older man, bald with a long grey mustache and soul patch. He wore black and green robes, with white bandages on his arms. He picked up a golden cane and began walking to the group. His age and short stature made it take a bit longer than intended.

"I see my assistants are still opening these labs to just about anyone."

"Sir, the tours were your idea."

"...My idea? Why would I come up with an idea that would give away my research?"

"Your most important projects are either incomplete or hidden away, sir."

Azmuth pondered a moment then nodded. "I see. In that case, welcome." He spoke to the Tennysons. "I am Azmuth."

Ben cocked his head while looking at the old scientist. He certainly wasn't what he expected.

"What is it, young man?"

"You're a lot shorter than I was imagining."

The sound of Azmuth's cane knocking Ben over the head echoed through the room, followed by Ben tumbling to the floor in pain. For the first time the entire visit, Albedo's somber attitude turned to a snicker, stopping only once Gwen elbowed him.

"OW! What'd you do that for?!"

"You should learn to respect your elders, young man! You aren't particularly tall yourself!"

"I'm a kid, I'm not supposed to be tall!"

Azmuth's cane came down on Ben's head again. "Then that means you're not eating properly!" He turned his attention to Max. "What are you feeding this child? Sheep's tongue? Mealworms?"

"Well, yeah."

This time, Azmuth's cane went for Max's knee, causing him to fall over in pain as well. This caused Albedo's entire demeanor to break, as he loudly laughed at the situation. Once again, it was short lived, as he too met the business end of Azmuth's cane.

"Laughing at other people's misfortunes! What a shameful boy you are!" Azmuth turned his attention to Gwen. "Do you have anything you'd like to say, girl?"

"Nope!" Gwen said with a slightly anxious tone. "Nothing at al- OW!"

Gwen had been hit by the cane too by this point.

"Wrong answer! Always question another's actions!"

Azmuth huffed, turning away from the Tennyson's who were now on the ground, rithing in pain.

"These are the types of people I make my inventions for. Maybe I've chosen the wrong career path."

"Sir."

"Ah, yes!" Azmuth snapped his fingers and turned to the family again. "The tour. This room is my primary, personal laboratory within the entire facility. While I do oversee all projects in the building, this is where I spend most of my time. To simplify everything for your more simple minds, consider it all a bunch of scientific nonsense that will only make sense once implemented into society."

"Hm." Gwen and Albedo pondered simultaneously before giving each other a knowing look.

Albedo sauntered over to the trapezoidal object. "Hm." He tapped it gently, noticing that it seemed to jiggle before returning to a solid state. "I see. This is meant to fix physical imperfections in technology, right?"

Azmuth was caught off guard, but cleared his throat. "Well. Yes. Very good."

"On the flip side," Gwen says as she holds up the silver and green rod. "This one disrupts technology."

"...An educated and lucky guess."

Albedo and Gwen both looked at the shield-shaped gauntlet, then spoke simultaneously. "Enhances the natural abilities of whatever or whoever is wearing it."

Both of them proudly looked back at Azmuth, who dwindled their pride instantly. "You two are just a bunch of show offs, aren't you?" He turned to Ben. "And what about you?"

"Um... Uh..." Ben nervously looked around at the remaining objects, then noticed the sword. "....Sword slices things really good?"

Ben shouted in pain as Azmuth's cane was pushed down onto his foot.

"Clearly pigment isn't the only difference between the twins!"

"Sir."

"Right! As you can see, I am rather busy with these projects, and several more I've not revealed to the public. As educational as this has been for all involved, I believe it's time for you to tour the other floors. We have several floors of scientists doing excellent work for you to see."

Azmuth sat down again. As the Tennyson's made their way back to the elevator, Myaxx spoke again.

"Oh, sir. One more thing."

"Yes?" Azmuth said as he took a sip of tea.

"Your wife called earlier."

Azmuth immediately spit his tea out in surprise, coughing some. "Zennith? What is it?"

"It has to do with your father."

Azmuth looked at the black cube with blue circuits, and nodded. "I see. I'll call her back, then."

The kids glanced at one another once in the elevator.

"He has a wife?" Ben asked.

"He has a living father?" Gwen inquired.

"Surprising indeed." Albedo coldly commented.

The elevator opened up to the next floor down, and Myaxx led the family down the hall to the next lab. More Frog Faunus, each with varying traits, worked in the room. One of them had a rounded power suit with a teal and black color scheme, using it to help move larger materials. Two more of them worked on a lighting system.

"You put the switch on backwards!" spoke the shorter, rounder one who wore a teal, spandex suit.

"Did not. Up means on." the other answered, being taller and thinner, wearing overalls, albeit with no shirt underneath.

"Up means off!"

"Does not."

"Does too!"

"These people are who Azmuth hires?" Albedo grumbled to himself.

"What's all this stuff for?" Max asked while looking around.

"Maintenance area. We have to do the upkeep on the lab at times, and it helps develop new ways to maintain luxuries in other buildings and homes." Myaxx explained.

The group passed through the maintenance lab as the two Frog Faunus continued arguing over the switch. The entered a different lab.

"This is the biology section." Myaxx stated. "Led by..."

"D-D-D-Dr. Psychobos, at your s-service." An elderly man approached. "And I use the term loosely."

Dr. Psychobos was rather thin, and wore a long lavender lab coat that was worn ragged. His shirt was light blue and torn just above his belly button, and his pants were lavender. He, too, was a Faunus, as his arms were crab claws and the purple exoskeleton went further up his arms. His right arm was notably smaller than the left. On his balding head was a grey mechanism with glowing pink lights, and his head had pink circuits tattooed onto it.

Are all the employees Faunus?" Gwen asked curiously.

"A-A-Azmuth claims he's a-above the s-s-squabbles of F-Faunus and mankind, b-but h-he isn't i-i-i-ignorant to the struggles."

"Quite the opposite. He passively uses the hiring of Faunus to prove a point." Myaxx elaborated. "Surely the minds of Faunus helping to better society will mend the minds of those unfortunate enough to be against us. In any case, have anything you'd like to show our guests, Doctor?"

Dr. Psychobos smirked. "R-Right this way."

As Dr. Psychobos led them on, Ben curiously looked at him. "What's that thing on your head?"

"A-A stabilizer, young m-man. M-M-My Semblance allows me t-to generate my thoughts as e-electrical i-impulses. S-Sometimes it gets out of h-hand, and I-I use the term loosely."

Dr. Psychobos continued on, and Ben stood back a bit to talk to Gwen. "...Which term?" Gwen shrugged.

Albedo followed the group, but Max held him back a bit. "Could I talk to you for a minute?"

The two watched the rest of the group walk off, and Max kneeled down with his hand on Albedo's shoulder. "Are you feeling any better about this trip? I know you weren't too thrilled about it, but-"

"Frankly, no. I've had my pride hurt, and my head from a cane. It hasn't helped me not wanting to join in the first place."

"The alternative was staying with your parents in Beruddoyuri."

"Yes, yes. I don't suppose being alone with them would've been the most exciting experience."

Max chuckled a bit. "I won't force you, but hopefully you'll find some good in this trip at some point, eh?"

"...Some better cuisine would help start that."

"Nonsense!"

"I don't want to eat Mistrali bot flies! I want to eat chili fries! ...Do not mistake my rhyming for a cheery demeanor."

Max laughed a bit more and stood. "Come on, let's catch up with the others."

Max and Albedo found the others, where Dr. Psychobos presented an object similar to the cylindrical one in Azmuth's lab. It had red circuits, and the end had a red symbol with three grey triangles on either side, similar to teeth.

"Th-This is the N-N-Nemetrix. Short for N-Nemesis Matrix. Th-The intention is t-to capture some of the d-d-d-dust particles of a disintegrated G-G-Grimm, and sustain it long enough t-t-to study their n-nature."

"Grimm in captivity don't last long, after all." Myaxx continued. "If we can find a way to study how they work, we might be able to find better ways of eliminating them."

"Are we sure we should eliminate them entirely?" Max questioned. "They're a part of the natural order."

"I don't know that I'd call anything about the Grimm 'natural'." Myaxx commented.

The group came back out through the maintenance area again, Blukic and Driba still arguing over the switch. Another lady walked into the room from the other entrance, holding a large container of various Dust types, with the snowflake logo of the Schnee Dust Company decorating it. She was somewhere between Max and Myaxx in age.

Her hair was a light teal, with dark teal streaks. Her eyes were pink, and she had a pink marking in the center of her forehead; stripes were tattooed onto her face of the same color as the streaks in her hair. A gecko tail matching her hair pattern and color marked her Faunus heritage.

"Xylene," Myaxx started. "A new Dust shipment already?"

"Azmuth and Dr. Psychobos keep busy. I just had to be sure they had more materials on-hand."

Myaxx nodded and Xylene took her leave towards Dr. Psychobos' lab. Blukic and Driba continued arguing over the switch. As they did so, flipping it back and forth, it shot out a zap of lightning, causing the two to stumble. Blukic caught himself on the desk, while Driba fell to the floor right in front of Xylene. She tripped over him, causing the SDC box to fly up into the air.

"Get back!" Max managed to grab Gwen and pull her away in time, but the twins were caught up in the blast caused by the container falling to the ground. The blast knocked several people away as well.

"Look what you did!" Blukic shouted at Driba.

"Me?! If you had just put the switch on correctly, none of this would have happened!"

"Not true!"

"Is so!"

"No, it's not!"

Max turned to the area of impact, seeing the area had gone up in flames. "BEN! ALBEDO!"

Suddenly, the fire seemed to... move. Max and Gwen gasped as they saw a humanoid figure climb out of the flames; the figure itself was ablaze, with rocks covering them.

"G-Grandpa? Gwen? What is it?" The figure said, a pain in its voice.

Another figure stepped from the blast, a blue humanoid with claws and barnacles all over their body. The barnacles had a bright blue core to them, and emitted steam. "Ben... What happened?"

The fiery figure turned to answer, only to fall back while screaming. "WHAT ARE YOU?!"

The blue figure looked up, and screamed as well. "ME?! WHAT ABOUT YOU?!"

The fiery figure looked down, only seeming to now realize the state of their body, which caused more screaming. "I'M ON FIRE!" He attempted to stop, drop, and roll, which didn't do anything to put out his flames.

"HOLD STILL!" The blue figure shouted with his hands out, unintentionally spraying a blast of water at the fiery figure, extinguishing his flames. The fiery figure coughed in response, and didn't take long to light up again.

"WHAT IS HAPPENING?!" The fiery figure shouts, holding his head in his hands.

About an hour later, Albedo and Ben had been put into the medical wing of the lab. They rested on two beds within the same room, with Max and Gwen sitting off to the side. Soon, Azmuth, Myaxx, and Dr. Psychobos entered the room.

"On behalf of Galvan Prime Laboratories, we-" Myaxx started but was soon interrupted.

"What was that like?" Azmuth asked the twins.

"...Wh-What was what like?" Ben asked.

"Your Semblances transforming you, of course."

Albedo and Ben traded glances before the former spoke up. "Our Semblances?"

Azmuth grumbled to himself. "Yes, your Semblances. What else would have caused that? Your shared ability is quite remarkable."

"I thought Semblances were unique." Max commented.

"Typically, yes. But genetic Semblances are always similar to some extent. In the case of these two, they seem to be able to transform into some new form when their Aura is exposed to Dust types. It's fascinating, indeed, like nothing I've ever seen."

"As I was saying," Myaxx cleared her throat. "We wish to apologize for the incident."

"Th-Th-The twins sh-should be making a f-full recovery o-once their Aura recharges."

"Right, right, right." Azmuth pondered then turned to the twins. "I'd like to offer parting gifts to the two of you."

"You blow us up then want to give us gifts?" Ben shouted in pain after finishing talking as Azmuth once again caned him.

"Consider it part of the apology!" Azmuth sighed. "I'm not done with them quite yet, but I'd like to gift the both of you devices to help hone your abilities. Two devices based on the design our Nemetrix."

Dr. Psychobos cocked an eyebrow at the wording.

"Once I'm done with them, I'll bring them here. Whether you wish to actually use them is entirely up to you."

Myaxx cleared her throat.

"Yes! Right!" Azmuth pointed his cane at Max, causing the latter to flinch. "Come along! I wish to have a word with you before you leave."

"Oh. Um. Alright."

Myaxx led Azmuth and Max out of the room, while Dr. Psychobos continued checking the vitals of the twins. He scoffed.

"What is it?" Gwen asked.

"'Our' N-Nemetrix. A-As if th-that fool had any w-w-work put into its design. Th-That was m-m-m-my matrix design. H-His Unitrix c-comes from it, t-too. A-And he has th-th-the nerve to call it ours. F-For shame."

Dr. Psychobos blinked.

"...Wh-What an embarrassment. Here I am, a g-g-genius scientist, v-venting m-my frustrations to a few h-human hatchlings. A-And I use the term loosely."

The three grandkids all gave him an annoyed look. He finished checking the vitals and cleared his throat.

"R-Right then. Just as I said. O-Once your Aura replenishes, y-you'll be just f-f-fine."

"Do you use the term loosely?" Ben asked with a flat tone.

"Silence."

Outside the lab, the Tennyson's stepped away, heading towards the city. The twins held a circular pod each. Ben looked down at his, seeing a light green glow inside.

"And that's how I... Do all that." Ben said. Present day, seven years after the fact of the flashback, Ben sat within Glynda's classroom, alone with Ruby.

"Wow..." Ruby said. Her eyes had been wide and starstruck the entire time. She then blinked. "You... Have a brother?"

"Albedo? Yeah. I... Haven't talked to him in a while. We're not that close anymore, or... Ever, really. Not that we ever hated each other or anything, we just didn't click. We're certainly not like how close you and Yang are."

"Do you know where he's at right now?"

"Last I heard, he was trying for a Huntsmen Academy, too. If I had to guess, he might have gone to Atlas. Seems fitting, but it's just a guess. Like I said, I haven't talked to him in a while."

"It wouldn't be too difficult to find him if you wanted to." Ruby shrugged. "Just go wherever people are talking about someone turning into Dust monsters."

Ben chuckled a bit. "Yeah. He would be the only one drawing attention like that. He was a bit more comfortable with using the Semblance later on. I... I don't care much about it."

Ruby's face dropped a bit. "But it's so cool! Do you know how much everyone else would want to be able to just control Dust like that?"

"It's terrifying." Ben clarified. "And it's not painless. The initial transformation hurts, and once it's done, my Aura is completely drained. Someone could easily get a hit by that point. And... It scares other people, too. I don't want to attract more Grimm than what I'm trying to kill."

Ben hugged his shoulders and looked to the side. Ruby, with a concerned look, put a comforting hand onto his shoulder.

"If you stay scared of it, you won't be able to control it better. It's gonna control you, instead."

Ben scoffed with a half smile. "You're starting to sound like Ozpin."

Ruby chuckled some. "It's my third year, I think everyone's picked up on someone else's mannerisms." She stood and stretched. "Do you wanna do one more round of training?"

Ben glanced up at her, then down to the Omnitrix. The green glow of its hourglass reflected in his eyes.

"...Okay. Just one more."

He took a deep breath as he smiled up at Ruby, feeling just a bit more confident.

The scene shifted back to Mistral, though still present day. On a balcony overlooking the city stood Albedo.

"Enjoying the view?"

Albedo turned his head back, seeing Haven Academy's headmaster approach.

"Hello, professor. What brings you here?"

"I simply enjoy getting to have one on one conversations with new students. And it's not often those conversations happen with people who have already been here."

Albedo chuckled. "You remembered?"

"Of course." Lionheart smiled. "After your visit to the Academy, Azmuth told me about you and your brother. Quite the tale, that one."

Albedo's apathetic expression soured a bit, but he composed himself. "Yes, I suppose it is."

'I wasn't entirely talking about that meeting anyway,' both of them silently thought.

"What is your brother up to nowadays?"

"Benjamin? We don't speak much. But... I did hear through the grape vine that he's attending Vale's Academy, Beacon. He'll be under Ozpin's watch." Albedo turned his head to the headmaster. "...What does that mean for us?"

Lioneheart adjusted his necktie, then clasped his hands behind his back. "So long as he stays out of the way, it doesn't mean anything for us."

Albedo pondered, and Lionheart exhaled.

"Right, then. It's starting to get late. I would suggest heading back to your dorm soon. Wouldn't want to keep the rest of Team THMZ waiting."

"I'll be there shortly. I just want to... Take in the view a bit more."

Lionheart followed Albedo's gaze, then nodded and took his leave. As Albedo silently looked out over the city once more, the scene also followed his gaze, showing him staring directly at Galvan Prime Laboratories.

Chapter Text

"Team THMZ seems quite willing to cooperate."

Arthur Watts stood in the meeting hall of the Crucible. He had an image on his Scroll open of Team THMZ, the light of which reflected on both his face and the window he was near.

"The Tennyson boy..." A woman said.

Watts turned his attention to the chalk white woman in a pitch black dress sitting at the head of the long table within the hall. Salem.

"You've found that he has a brother, yes?"

"Indeed. Benjamin Tennyson is the leader of Team TRTL... at Beacon Academy. He'll be under Ozpin's watch, I doubt he'll be much use to us. Unfortunate. His matching Semblance with his brother could pose an issue."

"What of Albedo's teammates?"

"Young Morningstar comes from a rather influential family, though he isn't particularly close with any of them. And I haven't found a bloody thing about Khyber Zaroffian. He's lived a very non-digital life, which is proving beneficial for him... And rather annoying for me."

"And what of the girl?"

Watts tapped the image of Hope Spellbinder on his scroll, projecting the image into the air.

"She could prove useful beyond the recruitment of her team. Her uncle, Hex Spellbinder, is a member of staff at Haven Academy. With Leonardo already under our influence, and potentially treating Hope as leverage, getting him to cooperate should be quite simple."

Salem pondered for a moment. She didn't know much about Hex Spellbinder, but the more forces working for her than against her, the easier it would be to reach her goal.

"Go then. Meet with Leonardo in Haven, and see what you can do about convincing Hex Spellbinder to join us."

"It will be done." Watts turned and stepped away, but then stopped walking after a few steps, his brow furrowed.

"Is something the matter, Watts?"

"If I may ask..." Watts' comment prompted Salem to raise an eyebrow, and he turned back to face her. "What have you got the others doing?"

"Why do you ask?"

"If I understand our plans correctly, and do correct me if I'm wrong, our target is Atlas. If that's the case, then why do you have me working in Mistral? Surely it would be more beneficial to have my brains in Atlas, and have someone like Tyrian working to find our recruits."

"All in due time, Arthur. Your skills are not unrecognized, but for the time being, you're more useful to me in Mistral. When I give the command, you will find yourself back in Atlas. You are not the only one in our group with a history in that city, after all."

Watts scoffed. "You've sent Cinder in my stead?"

"Is that anger I sense in your voice?"

Watts stammered a bit, straightening his tie nervously as he cleared his throat. "O-Of course not. Though, I've made it no secret, my disdain for Cinder. The girl's been a bloody pain ever since she was recruited."

"Cinder is exactly what we need. She has fought tooth and claw for power her entire life, something she's never had. Something she's been denied. If anyone's will power is going to prove strong enough to let them be a vessel harboring all four Maiden powers, it will be her."

Watts said nothing. While it was true he hated Cinder, his fear and respect of Salem overshadowed that. That was the only thing keeping him working with her.

"Do you have any more questions?"

"...No. I'll be on my way now."

Watts took his leave, exiting through the large, castle-esque door at the end of the room.

It had been a few days since the events at Galvan Prime Laboratories. Ben and Albedo had spent a decent amount of that time still within the lab's medical wing, just to ensure their vitals were in check, and for Azmuth to study them from afar just in case something happened. Nothing did, but he didn't want to miss anything for as long as they were there.

Given their extended stay, a few of the sights in Mistral were overlooked. By the time they were permitted to leave, it was time for the main event in the city: Haven Academy. This was Gwen's more anticipated spot. Albedo was still indifferent, and Ben would have been excited, but something seemed off. When Albedo and Gwen got ahead of them, Max kneeled down to Ben.

"If Albedo was a bit more excited, I'd say you two switched roles." Max tried to joke, but noticed Ben didn't even smirk. "What's wrong?"

"I... The Vytal Festival is so cool, y'know? I love seeing all the students kick butt with their weapons and Semblances! I thought it'd be cool to get one myself one day. But now that I have it..."

"It's not what you were expecting."

Max's innate understanding caught Ben off guard as he turned to his grandfather surprised. Max chuckled.

"That's my Semblance. I had a similar mindset when I was younger. Then I realized the mindset was my Semblance the entire time. Don't underestimate the power of the mind. Anyway, what's got you so unsure about yours?"

Ben gripped his own shoulder a bit. "...It was scary. And it hurt. I don't even know if I want to use it if it's going to be that way."

Max nodded, placing a comforting hand on Ben's back. After thinking for a moment, he spoke up.

"There's a theory called equivalent exchange. You've got to give in order to gain. All Semblances are powers granted to people at the cost of Aura. Even mine, but to a lesser extent. Without the Aura at all, the Semblance stops working."

"And what if I don't use it?"

"...Well." Max sighed. "I suppose if you gain not using your Semblance... You might lose the chance to overcome it."

Ben attempted to give this some thought, but was interrupted by a voice calling from the entrance to the school.

"Maxwell Tennyson!" Headmaster Lionheart said as he greeted the bunch, walking out of the school's doorway. "It's been too long."

Gwen turned to Max, surprised. "You know Haven's headmaster?"

"Ah, you'd be surprised who I know, Gwen." Max turned back to Lionheart, reciprocating the smile. "Too long, indeed."

Ben gave a confused look. "Why is the headmaster of the school still here, anyway? It's summer vacation."

Lionheart chuckled. "My boy, the staff has some work to do before our summer vacation can begin. Myself more than anyone. But you're in luck. One of our professors is present currently. You've a chance to meet him."

Professor Lionheart led the Tennysons through Haven Academy. The halls were eerily quiet, given the lack of students and most staff already having left for the season. Lionheart opened a door, entering into a dark classroom that only increased the morbid feeling in the air. The lightswitch flipped on, shining light throughout the room.

Strange objects filled the area, creating a sea of clutter across the floor and shelves. Among the group of objects were a black orb with unrecognized characters etched into it, a pair of golden gauntlets with gears on the backs, a sword with a serpentine head on the handle, a golden boomerang-shaped object with a face shaped rune in the center, a grey mask, and several books.

Albedo stepped through the clutter, and stopped only to look back at the black orb. He stared at it for a moment, hearing a faint noise resonating from it.

"...What-" Albedo's question cut off as he looked down to the clutter on the ground, only to jump back. "THERE'S A HAND!"

"What?!" Lionheart rushed over, only to trip on the mess and fall to the floor. Groaning, he looked up and saw the hand, causing him to groan. "Professor Spellbinder!"

Lionheart stood upright, grabbing the hand and pulling out the person beneath the clutter: Hex Spellbinder.

"I thought I told you to keep your workplace tidier than this!"

"Apologies, Headmaster." Hex spoke. "Time slips away from me, and then I don't have the chance to fix it."

"What were you doing on the floor?"

"One of my bookshelves fell on me. I had considered getting back up, but it was surprisingly comfortable. I had almost dozed off before you lot arrived."

Lionheart glanced back at the Tennyson's before turning himself and Hex away, whispering to him. "We have visitors! Do you have any idea how this looks?"

Hex thought for a moment. "It looks like somoene with the mind of a genius too caught up in his work to tidy up."

"Don't get sassy with me!"

Their attention was drawn by Max clearing his throat behind them.

"Ah, yes." Hex turned back to the family. "Forgive me for the mess." Hex reached into the clutter and pulled out a staff with a snake-like skull at the end. Purple energy radiated from the staff and allowed him to remotely move all the clutter back to the shelves in a neat fashion.

"Too caught up, huh?" Lionheart cocked an eyebrow, though Hex ignored the comment as he spoke to the Tennyson's.

"I am Professor Hex Spellbinder, Haven Academy's expert in Aura." His eyes flashed red, and he glanced towards Gwen. "...Fascinating."

"W-What is it?"

"You have a significantly higher amount of Aura than anyone else in the room. It's rare to see something quite like that."

Gwen awkwardly scratched the back of her head. "Um... Thanks?"

"What does that mean, exacty? And how can you tell?" Albedo inquired.

"It is my Semblance, young man. My ability to sense and understand Aura in ways others are incapable to is what made me the professor of the topic. I can also determine one's potential Aura." His attention turned back to Gwen. "You're radiant with potential Aura, young lady. What is your name?"

"Gwen Tennyson, sir."

"It is an honor, Miss Tennyson."

Five years after that fateful summer vacation, Gwen found herself returning to Haven Academy when school was out to train with Hex. During this time, she also had become familiar with his niece, Hope.

"Uncle Hex?" Hope called into the workplace as she and Gwen entered.

Hex, who had been floating in the room with the use of Gravity Dust, stepped onto the ground after grabbing his staff.

"What was that about?"

"Meditation. I've found it helps my focus when using my Semblance. Perhaps I should begin teaching you that at some point... Oh, but nevermind. Today is a special day for the both of you."

"Because...?" Hope cocked an eyebrow.

"I've perfected your artifacts." Hex walked to one of the shelves and pulled off two boxes. "It's a well known fact Aura can be projected onto inanimate objects, such as weapons. As such, I sought to take it a step further. Objects with the ability to have Aura infused with them. It took a bit of energy out of me, but I believe it will be worth it for you two to progress."

Hex handed the two girls their boxes. Hope opened hers, finding a necklace inside. The necklace had a grey pendant with a black design on it like an upside down virus molecule. When she put the necklace on, its design glowed magenta, her Aura color.

Within Gwen's box was a set of six pendants, each with their own unique design. Focusing her Semblance she had unlocked during training with Hex, Gwen made an Aura projection to lift the six pendants into the air. Their designs glowed her pink Aura color, with three of them brandishing Dust colors as well.

"This, my pupils, is when the fun truly begins." Hex said with a proud smile.

Hex sat in Professor Lionheart's office. For whatever reason, he had been called there by Lionheart himself, and yet, the Faunus headmaster was missing. He was about fifteen minutes late to a meeting he called himself, and time was still ticking. It took another five minutes before the door finally opened.

"Apologies." Lionheart chuckled a bit as he entered the office and approached. "I was caught up in a conversation with a student."

"How professional."

"Speaking of students," Lionheart said as he circled the table and sat opposite Hex. "I imagine your niece is the top of your class?"

"Of course she is, but that's unfair to the other students. I've been teaching her ever since she came into my care after the death of her father. She has an advantage."

"I'm glad you think so." Lionheart smiled.

Hex leaned forward onto Lionheart's desk. "Why did you call me in here, Leonardo? What is it you want?"

"It's... not what I want."

Leonardo glanced to the door. Hex turned about, and was slightly surprised to see someone having entered the room not only unannounced, but with an eerie silence.

"Hello there, Professor Spellbinder. My name is Dr. Arthur Watts." Watts approached and sat in the seat next to Hex. "And I've got the business deal of the century for you."

"You seem rather confident in that claim."

"Oh, trust me. It's an offer you quite literally can't refuse." Watts smirked, causing his mustache to perk up.

Salem stood outside her Crucible, peering over a barren wasteland of Grimm and the pools of death they originated from. Light footsteps approached her, and a lanky figure kneeled.

"Your grace." Tyrian Callows craned his neck up towards her. "You wished to see me?" His scorpion tail curled around his own face, a crazed smile admiring the mistress of death.

"Indeed. I'm sending you to Vale. You'll be doing a reconnaissance mission. I need to test the skills of Albedo Tennyson's twin brother, Ben. His team as well, but primarily him."

Tyrian seemed to pout. "By reconnaissance, I don't imagine you'll be letting me do the fighting?"

"No. The less they know about us, the easier it is for us to infiltrate. You'll be watching. Something else will do the fighting."

This seemed to perk Tyrian right back up, his interests piqued. "Something, you say? And what might that be, my queen?"

Salem smiled.

"This."

She lifted a hand, and a blob of Grimm pool liquid rose into the air. Lanky arms with clawed hands burst from its sides, as well as a single tail from the bottom which was striped black and white. The fluid form shook about, changing from the grotesque moisture to almost a cloak, which was covered in glowing red stripes. The stripes converged on the creature's chest, which glowed red with a yellow center. The Grimm reached its hands to where its face would be, and pulled the fabric-like flesh apart, revealing an upside down skull face with only one eye glowing red and yellow. It let out an ear piercing, raspy screech.

Chapter Text

"Students."

Professor Ozpin and Glynda Goodwitch stood atop a cliffside before their new first-year students.

"There has been speculation and rumor amongst you regarding the assignment of teammates. So, allow me to clear up any confusion. You will all be getting your teammates... Today."

Ben and Gwen glanced to one another briefly before turning their attention back to Ozpin.

"These teams will be who you spend the rest of your time with while attending Beacon. It would be beneficial to find yourself allied with those you are most compatible with. That being said... The first person you make eye contact with will be your partner."

Ben faltered. He had figured, and hoped, that he and Gwen would simply be partners for the sake of some familiarity. Plus, in the event he would need to use his Semblance, he'd be with someone who already knew what to expect. But with the assignments of partners and teams being random, he was unsure if this would even happen now.

"Now then. The manner of your assignment today. Professor Goodwitch."

Glynda stepped forward. "Your task, students, is to make your way through the Emerald Forest to the temple on the far side. Once there, you are to choose one of the relics placed there, then make your way back here."

"Be sure to destroy anything in your path. Or you will die." Ozpin followed up.

Further down the row, Rook looked stoic as ever. Further still, Kevin cracked his neck with a grin, ready for the challenge ahead.

“Your assignment begins…” Ozpin paused, allowing a moment of suspense to build. “...Now.”

Simultaneously, all the first-year students were launched via their individual platforms off the cliffside and into the air. Ozpin nonchalantly turned to watch them get flung through the air, and took a sip from his cup.

An airship docked at the end of the platform outside of Beacon Academy. The door opened and out stepped the young Ben, Gwen, and Albedo. Ben had a backpack which stored his Omnitrix, while Albedo seemed to not mind wearing his on his wrist. The three walked towards the academy, gawking up at the large tower which acted as Vale’s CCT Tower. Max stepped out shortly after, holding his knees to try to stable his wobbly legs.

“I’ll never be used to those things.”

“I’ll give the headmaster your regards about the transportation.” A voice said, prompting Max to look up. “Or perhaps you could tell him yourself?”

“Glynda.” Max said with a half-smile. “And here I had almost thought you didn’t have a sense of humor.”

“I wasn’t joking.”

“...Right.”

Glynda stepped towards Max, then turned back towards the kids, who had made it a decent ways away. “Touring the grounds, I see.”

“Touring the world. The kingdoms and academies are just the hot spots.”

“Were you intending on meeting with Ozpin?”

“Not if he’s too busy. We both know how… ‘Hectic’ things can get for him.”

Glynda acknowledged this for a moment before speaking. “I’m sure he’d make time for you, at least. If you’re concerned about disrupting him, I can take over for the… Young bloods for now.”

“I’d appreciate that.”

Glynda nodded before quickly making her way after the kids. “Children!”

Max’s smile faded as he looked up to the top of Beacon tower.

‘Crap…’ Ben thought to himself. ‘...Crap.’

This day was certainly not going to plan. Being flung off a cliff into the perils of the Emerald Forest was something Ben figured he could handle. Go through the woods, find the relic, bring it back. Simple. What he was worried about was the team situation. Without the right emotional support, he’d have a bit of trouble explaining his Semblance to his new team, whoever that might include.

Looking down, Ben saw the tops of the trees approaching fast. Taking a deep breath, Ben tilted himself forward, his body rotating to the point of him heading face first towards the ground. Once he had almost neared the ground, Ben put his arms out, and a Gravity blast from the Omnitrix thrust him back upwards. He repeated the process a few times before finally using a Hard-Light shield from the device to stop his movement. The shield dissipated and Ben stood upright, getting a baring of his surroundings.

“...Gotta find Gwen.” Ben said aloud before running off through the forest.

Gwen herself was still in the air. Her eyes closed, Gwen focused for a few moments before opening her eyes, both now glowing pink. She placed her hands out, and a slide-like construct of her Aura manifested, allowing her safe travel into a clearing below. Once on the ground, the slide disappeared. Gwen took a few deep breaths for a moment, and one of her Charms glowed, flashing a replenishing touch to her Aura. She smirked.

“Elementary.”

“WOOHOO!”

Gwen looked up to the sky, surprised by the shouting. A grey figure flew through the air, their arm outstretched towards the tree they were headed right for. The figure was Kevin, having absorbed the material of the launchpads from the cliff before being launched. His outward arm shifted into the form of a sickle right before latching onto the tree, allowing him to spin down its trunk to the ground, taking off branches and bark as he did. Landing to the ground, he chuckled to himself, then paused. He turned about, seeing Gwen looking at him.

“You certainly seem to know how to take care of yourself.”

“May as well learn how early, right?” Kevin’s body returned to normal. “Kevin.”

“Gwen Tennyson.”

Kevin gave an inquisitive look upon hearing her name, though this changed to fear as a looming figure appeared behind Gwen. Without hesitation, she turned about and launched an Aura disk which sliced the head off an approaching Ursa. She took a deep breath, and Kevin was a bit surprised.

“Learn early, right?” She said while turning back to him.

“...Y-Yeah. Right. Um.. W-We should head to the temple.”

The two headed on their way. Gwen had changed her expression to one of concern. There was still her cousin to worry about.

Ozpin looked out the window of his office at the top of Beacon Tower. Sipping from his mug, he turned upon hearing the elevator ding. Its doors opened, and Max stepped in.

“Maxwell. I knew your family would be touring the grounds, but I didn’t expect such a personal visit. Where are the children?”

“Glynda’s looking after them for a bit while I’m here.”

“The perfect person to whip them into shape.” Ozpin chuckled. “How have you been?”

“Retirement’s been kind. My joints have not.” Max joked, cracking his arms again. Well, arm. Though, he did glance to the prosthetic. “Might be time for a checkup.”

“I’m sure the general wouldn’t mind a visit, either.”

Max’s expression turned dark. “...Yeah. I haven’t exactly figured out how I’m going to handle the Atlas portion of our tour, yet.”

“You can’t put off your issues with James forever.”

“Is that you speaking from experience?”

There was a grim moment of silence between the two.

“...I don’t intend to keep that put off.”

“No, you just haven’t figured everything out yet. I believe that’s how you worded it.” Max’s voice raised slightly.

“You needn’t speak with such a personal vitriol, Max-”

“Oh, yes I do. When’s the last time you spoke with Verdona, Oz?” Ozpin fell silent as Max spoke. “And as for Ironwood, I have no intention of forgiving him! Experimenting on children crosses a line.”

Max took a deep breath, pinching his brow briefly.

“...I’m sorry. This isn’t how I wanted our meeting to go.”

“You have every right to feel the way that you do. To answer your question, Qrow has informed me that Verdona is honing her skills out in Vacuo.”

Max thought this comment over for a moment, then nodded. A stern look remained in his eyes.

“You need to find a way to finish this, Ozpin. I don’t want my grandkids to find themselves wrapped up in it as much as some others have.”

“I know, Maxwell. I know…”

“Isn’t this just my luck?” Ben groaned. He stood atop a hillside, looking down over some stony ruins, including a circular pattern of half-pillars. “I manage to find the temple before any people.”

Ben slid down the hill, making sure not to stumble or fall. He looked around the ruins, noticing each pillar had a stone goblet atop it. The goblets themselves were carved with different types of Grimm. Some pillars were empty, implying others had arrived before him.

As Ben looked over the goblets, he was surprised when something flew past his head. It lodged itself into the far wall of the pillar, a black cord connected to it. A grappling hook? Er, no, a zipline. Ben turned and saw the figure of Rook Blonko zooming down the line from the hilltop. Upon reaching Ben, he jumped to the ground, and the hook retracted into the weapon on his shoulder.

“...H-Hi?” Ben awkwardly said.

“Hello. Benjamin, correct?”

“Just Ben, dude. And you are?”

“Rook Blonko.”

“I see. So… I guess this makes us-”

“Partners, yes.”

“...Right. Yeah. Cool.” Ben spoke, then thought to himself. ‘Guess there’s still the chance Gwen’s one of the other two on the team.’

Ben and Rook looked about at the goblets.

“So, any preferences on Grimm?”

“Dead ones.”

“I meant the carvings on the cups.”

“Oh. Of course. Then no.”

“...Alright.” Ben swiped up the nearest goblet, then looked at its carving. “A Beowolf. That works …Or we could call it a Benwolf.”

Ben smirked, obviously waiting on some form of reaction to his cheesy joke, but Rook gave none.

“...Get it? Swap out the O for the N?” He motioned to himself. “Ben.” He pointed to the cup. “Beowolf. Benwolf. Ehh?”

Still no response.

“...These are gonna be the longest four years of my life.”

As the two spoke, another pink Aura slide came down the hill, with Gwen and Kevin sliding down it. “Glad to see you made it alive.” Gwen joked before hugging Ben. While reciprocating the hug, Ben looked surprised.

“...Kevin?”

“I knew your last name sounded familiar.” Kevin said to Gwen while nodding to Ben.

Gwen pulled out of the hug, a confused look on her face. “You two have met?”

A low growling sound came from nearby, interrupting the conversation. A mass of black and white barreled through, knocking Kevin over. Kevin angrily got up and absorbed the stone of the ruins. He faced his opponent, the warthog-like Boarbatusk Grimm. He took a step to attack, but a cyan net made of Hard-Light Dust shot past him and covered the Boarbatusk, ensnaring it. Kevin turned back angrily.

“I could’ve taken it!”

“I do not doubt your ability.” Rook responded, his weapon having fired the net from atop his shoulder. “This is simply easier.”

Kevin scowled at him. “I don’t like you.”

“I do believe I can live with that.”

Kevin groaned and changed his arm into a blade, stabbing the Boarbatusk, causing it to disintegrate. However, another batch of the hogs came over the hill, along with a pack of Beowolves. Kevin angrily grabbed an empty pillar and yeeted it at the Boarbatusks, while Rook fired explosive projectiles from his weapon. Gwen placed her hands to the ground, and focused. Aura spikes then jutted from atop the hill, impaling and killing several Grimm. Ben then slid between the others and then in front of them. He put out his Omnitrix arm, and set it to Fire Dust. It launched a large flame which created a wall between the group and the Grimm.

“Either they’re smart enough to avoid it, or dumb enough to go through and die anyway. Either works for me.” Ben huffed.

The ground suddenly rumbled. The group turned and saw the trees shaking just before a gigantic tree monster emerged. The creature was a combination of five trees in the form of a body with limbs, each attached to one another by black smoke. The “body” tree had a white, mask-like face on it.

“WHAT IS THAT?!” Kevin shouted, and Ben ran towards the creature. He put out his Omnitrix arm again, and fired the flames again. What should have scorched the creature to ashes, however, simply made it a tree monster that happened to be on fire.

The beast thrashed its arm down onto the group, only for Kevin, still rock-covered, to catch the limb. The beast then lifted up and threw Kevin to the side. Kevin toppled across the ground, hitting a tree with a thud. A blue mesh flickered over his body before shimmering away, his Aura breaking; the rock armor covering his body disintegrated.

“KEVIN!” Gwen shouted before putting her hand to the ground. An Aura force field surrounded Kevin just before the monster could crush him.

“Anyone got some better ideas than mine?!” Ben asked.

Rook’s Proto-Tool projected a holographic display of a semi-gaseous, phantom-like Grimm. “It is a Geist. This species of Grimm possesses inanimate objects to form a body for itself.”

“So we take out the parts, we can get to the Geist…” Ben thought for a moment. “Rook. Distract it while trying to sever the limbs.”

Rook nodded and grappled to a tree near the Geist. Ben then turned to Gwen. “When Rook’s distracted it, you get Kevin somewhere safe, and then help sever the limbs.”

“What about you?”

Ben paused. “...W-Well, then you can kill it. Duh.”

“Ben.”

“I don’t want to-”

“We need you to.”

Ben stared back at his cousin. There was a tinge of fear in his eyes, and she put her hand to his shoulder.

“I know you can do it. I believe in you.”

Ben, placing his hand onto Gwen’s, reluctantly nodded. “...Okay.”

Gwen nodded to him, and Ben ran off. Rook fired energy blasts at the Geist’s face, drawing its attention to him. As it chased after him, Gwen launched herself towards Kevin, rushing him further into the woods and leaning him against a tree trunk. She then ran back to the fight, and shot an Aura disk at the Geist, slicing the ghastly arm between the body and arm. The tree arm fell to the ground, and the Geist’s skeletal arm was exposed.

Rook took to slicing the legs off, swinging about with the Proto-Tool’s grappling hook function before switching it over to a staff form which went through the thighs. The Geist collapsed, then phased out of the tree and hurried on its way, deciding the fight wasn't worth it. However, something came flying through and sliced it in half, causing it to disintegrate. This "thing" was a large turtle shell, keeping itself flying through the air with helicopter-like blades. It then spun around to the fire wall and generated a cyclone using its blades and chest holes, forcing the fire onto the Beowolves and Boarbatusks on the other side.

The shell then flew down to Gwen and Rook, its blades changing into flipper-like arms and stocky legs, and its head poked out of its shell.

"Which one is that?" Gwen asked, while Rook stared dumbfounded.

"I told you, I don't name them." Ben groaned. "But it's the mono-Wind Dust one."

Kevin then groaned, catching the group's attention. They ran over to him, Gwen kneeling down beside him. "Are you okay?"

Kevin looked up with a groggy expression, which only had confusion added onto it. "...Why is there a giant turtle staring at me?"

Ben's turtle form sighed. "We've got a lot to talk about."

Beacon’s amphitheater was filled with students. The crowd had second-years and upper classmen. Ozpin stood at a microphone above the stage, a holographic screen behind him displaying the new teams. 

“Edwin GrandSmith, Kai Green, Ester Kraaho, and Orb Halcyon.”

The four students stepped forward. All but Edwin were Faunus: Kai bore a wolf’s tail, Ester had deer antlers, and Orb had goat legs.

“The four of you retrieved the two Nevermore goblets. From now on, you shall be known as Team EKKO, led by Edwin GrandSmith.”

The crowd cheered, and Team EKKO took a bow. As they left the stage, Kai and Ben passed each other, giving the other a quick glance. Once the looking was done, Ben shook his head, attempting to focus.

“Ben Tennyson, Rook Blonko, Gwen Tennyson, and Kevin Levin.” Ozpin spoke. “The four of you retrieved the two Beowolf goblets. From now on, you shall be known as Team TRTL.”

The group looked at each other, silently acknowledging the irony of being named after a turtle given the situation earlier with Ben’s Semblance. Surprisingly, this even included Rook.

”Led by…” Ozpin continued “Ben Tennyson.”

Ben gasped a bit. ‘...Led by?’

Gwen beamed over at him, and Ben reciprocated the smile, though he was unsure if it was a genuine smile or an anxious one.

‘Led by…’ Ben thought again. ‘...Led by.'

Chapter Text

“Y’know… You’re not exactly who I was hoping to talk to.”

A large throne room was seen, made out of dark shades of wood. The white and red banisters of the White Fang decorated the room, and Adam Taurus sat at the throne with an unamused expression. Ilia Amitola stood by his side.

“And what do you mean by that?” Adam questioned the person speaking.

Across from Adam stood the young Princess Attea of the Incursean Empire, located out of Menagerie. To her side stood a much more muscular individual, wearing a similar black and purple outfit to those seen by other Incursean soldiers, though he had a unique aspect to his design which was the pair of purple sunglasses shielding his eyes. She had an equally unamused look as she examined Adam. “You know exactly what I mean. I demand an audience with Sienna Khan.”

Adam and Ilia glanced at one another, and Adam nodded.

“Sienna Khan is no longer with us.” Ilia explained. “She was assassinated by a group of vigilante Huntsmen. Adam leads our people now.”

There was a brief silence across the room. Suddenly, Attea’s blank expression turned to a smirk as she began laughing. Adam scowled, half his expression hid behind his White Fang mask.

“What?” He said with an angered tone.

“You expect me to believe that nonsense? Sienna Khan of all people dies to some ambush? Don’t insult me. If you’re gonna cover up murdering her, at least make it believable.”

Adam stood, angered even more, and gripped the hilt of his weapon. The more muscular man beside Attea drew his weapon as well, a small golden pistol with a green sphere connecting the barrel and handle. Ilia also had drawn her weapon, leaving Attea the only one not to do so as well.

“You walk into my organization and begin throwing around insults and accusations? I think you’ve misjudged how much your royalty reaches, princess.”

The man kept his weapon aimed at Adam as he gained his own scowl, but Attea put a hand up, prompting him to stand down.

“We both know how unlikely your story is, so cut the crap, Taurus.” She sighed. “I guess you’ll have to do, then.”

“For what?”

“For my proposition. The White Fang’s been doing some proper good ever since Ghira Belladonna stepped down. And as much as I’m no fan of you, I can’t deny your role in making things a bit more… Unfortunate for the humans. To put it simply, you want a war with the humans. I want a war with the humans. We’ve got a common goal.”

“And why would I want anything to do with your plans after the disrespect you’ve shown?”

“Funny, implying you deserve respect.” Attea tsk’d. “In any case, you’d be promised our silence regarding the context surrounding Sienna’s untimely demise. And, again, we both get our war.”

“If we refuse?”

A loud blast echoed through the room. Smoke bellowed from a singed spot on the wall just behind Adam; the more muscular man with Attea had quickly fired his weapon, intentionally missing the White Fang leader.

“That.” The man said. Though his eyes were obscured, Adam could feel the glare from behind them. It was a similar feeling he had instilled in others with his previous White Fang masks, before the current one showed his right eye.

“...Alright. But you and your army will listen to my plans. I don’t take orders. Not anymore.”

Attea shrugged. “Have it your way. Come on, Bullfrag.”

Bullfrag, the muscular man who had been with her, sheathed his pistol and followed her, the two exiting the throne room. Adam sighed, and Ilia turned to him.

“We’re actually going through with this?”

“Yes. Salem’s plan requires an enormous diversion. I had already figured out a plan for that, but…”

“Having the Incurseans help means less of the White Fang perish.”

“Exactly.” Adam smiled, placing a hand to Ilia’s shoulder. “You understand. Our plight runs deeper with us than so many others. There’s no one I’d rather have at my side, leading the White Fang.”

Ilia’s skin turned red, her spots and hair turning yellow. She pushed Adam’s hand off her. “We both know that’s not true, Adam. If Blake were here-”

Ilia cried out in pain as she fell to the ground, Adam having knocked the wind out of her with the butt of his sword.

“I told you not to mention the Belladonna girl’s name in my presence. Was I not clear?”

Ilia tried to catch her breath, her red and yellow colors changing to green and blue respectively. Tears welled in her eyes, but she held them back. She coughed. “...I-I’m sorry…”

Keeping an apathetic look, Adam reached down, and helped Ilia back to her feet. “Soon enough… We won’t need to worry about the Belladonna’s.”

Ilia gave him a knowing look as her skin returned to normal.

As Bullfrag and Attea walked down the hall to exit the White Fang hideout, the former pulled out his ringing Scroll, and entered a video chat with Attea’s father, Emperor Milleous.

“Hey there, papa.”

“What did I tell you about calling me that, son-in-law of mine?”

“Would you rather me list off all your titles and make us all wait an hour to get to the important stuff?”

Milleous paused. “...’Spose not. Now then, daughter-of-mine.” He addressed Attea. “How did your meeting go?”

Attea was silent for a moment, but a smirk slowly creeped over her face. “It went just fine…”

One of Beacon’s airships landed in the Emerald Forest, just outside of a large settlement, one of the few outside the kingdoms to have not yet fallen to the Creatures of Grimm. The side door to the ship opened, and out stepped Teams TRTL and RWBY. Behind them stood Beacon’s Professor Peter Port, though he remained on the ship. The two teams turned back to face him as he spoke.

“Keep in mind your two teams have differing assignments. Team TRTL, you are to be the primary source of protection for the village. You will be graded and judged accordingly to your actions. Team RWBY, you will be graded based on your support of the group and mentoring their actions. Do not take first action, this is a test for the rookies.”

Yang snickered while glancing at Rook, who seemed to not understand the implied pun.

“We’ll be back to pick you up within the week. And of course, remember-”

“Stay vigilant.” All of Team RWBY said simultaneously, with an unenthusiastic, almost annoyed tone. Clearly, they’d dealt with Port’s pre-mission speeches before.

Port scoffed as the door to the airship closed, and the vessel took off, leaving the two teams behind.

Ben sat at a campfire at the north edge of the village. The fire was the only thing lighting the area, as it had since become nighttime. He glanced over as he heard footsteps approaching. Ruby’s, specifically.

“You sleepy yet? I can take over if you need me to.”

“No, no. I’m good, thanks. It’s my team’s mission, remember?”

“Well, yeah, but if you don’t rest, you’re not gonna be ready if you need to do any real defending.” She smiled as she sat down across from him. “...Are you gonna be ready if it comes to that?”

Ben’s expression hardened. He glanced back to the village, seeing only a few people still wandering the streets in the midst of the night.

“...I’m… Not sure. There is a part of me that’s used to it, but… Everyone else? It might just attract more Grimm. The rest of your team might even attack me not knowing it’s me.” He paused. “...They are still unaware of my Semblance, right?”

Ruby moved two fingers across her lips, making a zipping noise as she did so. “Your secret’s safe.”

Ben smiled in response.

Unbeknownst to the two, something seemed to be watching from the tree line nearby.

Yang sat at her own campfire, a tired look in her eyes. While there was no talking going on here, it was far from quiet. Kevin had fallen asleep and was snoring at an obnoxious volume. As he continued doing so, Yang’s eye twitched.

“Alright, I’ve had enough.”

Yang reached over and pinched close Kevin’s nose, causing his breathing to stunt. This jolted him awake, and Yang let go as he sat up, attempting to catch his breath.

“What was that about?!”

“It’s your shift.”

“I was sleeping!”

“Yep, and now it’s my turn.” Yang laid back, resting her hands beneath her head.

Kevin scoffed as he stood up, walking away from Yang. “Whatever.” Yang kept one eye open for a moment, then closed it as she shook her head.

Kevin continued leaving the light of the fire, muttering to himself in a mocking tone. He then stopped as he heard rustling nearby. His eyes narrowed. He put his hand to a nearby tree, using his Semblance to cover his body in the tree’s bark.

Scanning the darkness, Kevin remained silent, listening for… Anything, really. A bright red-yellow eye suddenly appeared further into the woods.

It was quiet. Attention wasn’t going to be drawn to the area where Blake and Gwen sat, as the two of them were silently reading their own respective books by their campfire. Blake’s book was a collection of stories from her Faunus childhood, collected by a ghost writer who used the pseudonym Mother Branta. Gwen read a book entitled “The Monster at the End of this Book.”

And it stayed quiet.

…Yep.

…Very… Very quiet.

…At any point the two could engage in at least some form of conversation. Nothing’s stopping them but their own volition to remain as quiet as possible. Perhaps they considered it a tactical advantage to keep the Grimm away from this part of the village. Or maybe this was their way of defying the story they were in by not progressing it in the slightest.

…And it’s still quiet.

Nothing but silence. Perhaps they’re not actually reading and they simply died in place. That would be quite inconvenient for the story.

“...So.”

Oh thank god, they’re alive.

Blake’s ear twitched at the sound of Gwen speaking. Her eyes moved over to her, though she kept her head facing the way it already was. Gwen hadn’t even looked over as she spoke.

“The Judgement of the Faunus or the Shallow Sea?”

“I’m sorry?”

“Which one do you think is true?” Gwen turned her head with a curious look, glancing at Blake’s book.

Blake glanced at the book as well, then properly faced Gwen. “Both. Not in the sense that both origin stories about the Faunus are true, though. No one knows that. But… They’re true in warning Faunus children of a world where they’re treated as lesser beings.”

A remorseful look came over Gwen’s face as she gave an understanding nod. Blake’s attention then went to Gwen’s book. She didn’t even need to ask.

“It could be seen as a forewarning to aspiring Huntsmen and Huntresses. The story is about a constant struggle between leisure and responsibility, especially in way of Grimm or bandits. It’s written in a way to be understood by people with other professions and aspirations, too, since the same principle applies.”

Blake nodded. The two entered their infuriating silence again before speaking simultaneously.

“Trade? Oh! Oops.” The two laughed awkwardly before handing their books off to the other.

“You can relax a little bit, you know.”

Weiss sat to the side as she spoke to Rook. He had been standing guard at their position since their mission started.

“We are on a mission and have a job to do.”

“Well, yes, that’s true.” Weiss responded. “But for as long as nothing’s happening you don’t have to be so tense about it. That might just attract the Grimm sooner, if anything.”

Rook sighed as he turned just enough to see her while still having his body turned away. “I would rather be on guard than complacent, Miss Schnee.” There was a hint of venom in his words, which Weiss picked up on.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I believe we both know what it means.” Rook’s tail curled.

There was a tense silence between the two for a few minutes. Weiss eventually sighed and stood up, making her way to Rook.

“I’m sorry for the problems my family’s company has caused for the Faunus. For anything they might have done to you, specifically.”

Rook’s eyebrow cocked up, but he returned to his stoic expression, trying to shake off any look of surprise. “Are you intending to mend those things?”

“...That is a very complicated question. Or at least it doesn’t have a simple answer.” Weiss answered. “I can’t change what’s already been done. But I can change where my family name goes from here. My time away from Atlas has caused my father to retract my right to the company, and now it’s going to my brother, Whitley. Winter already has prevalence as a military specialist, and I’m going to carve my way as my own Huntress. My father’s decisions can’t be forgotten, but we can learn from them and move forward.”

Weiss stepped forward, looking up to the sky with a confident look on her face. She then turned back to Rook, chuckling at his once again surprised expression. Her look then turned to something more inquisitive.

“So… What’s your plan for improving the world?”

This question caught Rook off guard, as his surprised look changed to confusion, unable to come up with his own answer to this question.

Rustling was heard in the bushes. Yang had been trying to sleep, and was almost there when the rustling began. She scowled and tried to ignore it. And that worked… For all of a minute. With an annoyed grunt, she sat up and glared towards the treeline.

“Kevin!” She called out. “Just because it’s your shift doesn’t mean you get to make a ton of racket!”

There was no response. Yang’s frustrated expression turned of one to confusion as she stood up and slowly walked out.

“...Kevin?”

Becoming uneasy from the lack of a response, Yang readied her arms, both Ember Celica and her prosthetic engaging. Taking a few steps further, Yang suddenly fell back in surprise as Kevin lept from the bushes, his eyes glowing red and yellow.

“Rock. Paper. Scissors. Shoot!”

“DAMNIT!”

“Ha! I win again!”

Ruby had a smug grin on her face, while Ben look discontent. “How do you keep doing that?!”

“It’s just a guessing game of probability.” Ruby shrugged. “Maybe if you win one, I’ll teach you my secret!”

Ben rolled his eyes in annoyance. “Fine. One more.”

“You said that the last three times.” Ruby chuckled before the two put their hands out again.

“Rock. Paper-”

Their game was cut off as gunshots were heard in the distance, and they immediately jumped up, hearing them coming from the other side of the village. Listening to the gunshots continuing, Ruby’s eyes widened, recognizing which weapons they came from. “That’s Yang!”

“You’ve got the speed.” Ben glanced to her. “You go get the others, I’ll see what’s going on.”

“I’ve got a better idea.” Ruby turned back to him. “You trust me?”

Ben considered. “I told you my Semblance, didn’t I?”

Ruby nodded with a smirk. She took Ben’s hand, and activated Petal Burst. The two of them transformed into a flurry of petals, red for Ruby and green for Ben. The swirling mass shot around the village, first picking up Weiss and Rook, bringing in white and blue to the mix. It then shot directly through the village, adding in purple and pink. Upon reaching the camp that Yang and Kevin were at, Ruby deactivated her Semblance, allowing everyone to return to their normal state, with the three members of Team TRTL surprised and dazed from the ordeal.

“Yang! What’s going-” Ruby gasped as she saw Yang sparring against Kevin, who had now used his Semblance to become rock. Yang was intentionally pulling her punches, trying not to hurt him as he seemed fully intent on hurting her.

“Kevin!” Ben shouted. “What are you doing?!”

“It’s not- AHH!” Yang yelped as she fell back, Kevin having transformed his hand into a sledgehammer. He glanced up at the group, who were shocked to see the state of his eyes. In addition to their glowing, there were also red markings crawling down from his eyes.

“Did he absorb Dust?!” Ben shouted.

“No!” Gwen responded. “Those are Grimm eyes! Something’s attached to him!”

“What kind of Grimm can do that?!” Ben shouted back.

“It doesn’t matter.” Ruby said confidently. She stepped forward, without unsheathing her weapon, and calmly closed her eyes.

Rook watched her curiously. He then whispered. “What is she doing?”

Blake’s ear twitched, just as Rook had intended with his low volume. She chuckled lightly to herself as she whispered back. “Just watch.”

After a few brief moments of silence, which felt like an eternity, especially with the Grimm-infested Kevin lurking ever closer, Ruby’s eyes opened up. A bright flash of white light lit up the area. As soon as it appeared, it was gone. The light subsided and retreated back into Ruby’s Silver Eyes. Kevin fell back, unconscious, as the Zs’Skayr Grimm emerged from his body. It flew about sporadically, screeching in pain before diving into the ground, using its intangibility to phase right through.

“...Was that…” Gwen trailed off, her eyes filled with wonder.

“...I don’t think it’s gone.” Ben said in a wary voice.

Yang stood back up, with a readying stance. Weiss activated her Semblance, using a tow of Glyphs to move Kevin’s body back towards the group. Rook, Blake, and Ruby readied their weapons, and Gwen also took a fighting stance. Ben hesitantly glanced down to the Omnitrix.

It was silent for a good few minutes. Or at least, that’s what a majority of the group thought.

All except Blake.

Her ear twitched, and she quickly turned. “LOOK OUT!”

She had heard the creature returning right before it shot up out of the ground. The Zs’Skayr’s chest shot out black and white tentacles that hit Ruby in the back. She staggered and gasped for air, then the Zs’Skayr pulled itself into her.

“RUBY!” Yang called out, too late to properly fight as it had already possessed Ruby.

Ruby’s silver eyes were now colored bright red with a yellow center. The corrupted eyes grew from them across her face. Zs’Ruby then moved Crescent Rose about in a jagged, abrupt fashion, which seemed to mimic Ruby’s usual fighting method, albeit far less efficiently.

“...Ben.” Gwen said as the group backed away from the possessed Ruby. “Now would be a good time-”

“I don’t want to fight her!” Ben interrupted.

“And you do not have to.” Rook interjected. “All you need to do is keep her busy.”

“What in the world are you talking about?!” Weiss questioned, with Blake and Yang having similarly confused expressions.

Ben glanced at them, then turned back to his two still awake teammates. A scowl came over his face, but he reluctantly complied.

“...Fine. But you’re responsible for what happens next.”

Gwen and Rook both nodded in agreement.

“Whatever you’re planning on, do it quickly!” Yang snapped, glancing angrily at the Grimm possessing her sister.

Ben mimicked Ruby’s calming action from earlier, concentrating for a moment with his eyes closed. He then opened them, and reached down to the Omnitrix. Upon selected his desired Dust types, he pressed down on the core, making contact with his Aura. A green light filled the area, similarly to the white light of Ruby’s Silver Eyes. The others shielded ther eyes until the light faded. Gwen and Rook were unphased, but the remaining members of Team RWBY were shocked at the sight of Chromastone before them.

“Let’s get this over with.” Chromastone headed towards Zs’Ruby, instigating Yang’s protective side.

“If you hurt her-”

“I won’t hurt her.” Chromastone said. “And she damn sure isn’t gonna hurt me.”

Zs’Ruby swung around Crescent Rose lazily, the backside of the scythe head making contact with Chromastone’s head. The sound of metal clanging and denting was heard.

“...Okay. Maybe she will hurt me when she sees that.”

The two began a cycle of Chromastone dodging or tanking hits from Zs’Ruby, who continued the lackluster bashing towards him.

“...Sh-She…”

Gwen turned, hearing Kevin’s voice as he came to. She kneeled down to him. “Easy, easy.”

Kevin glanced up at the possessed Ruby. “She’s in there… You’ve gotta make her… Do that eye thing again… And it’ll leave her.”

“And then we can kill it.” Yang guessed. “...Right?”

Kevin shrugged. “Probably.”

“Any ideas, then?” Weiss interjected.

“I’m open to any!” Chromastone called from his current situation of simply being hit by Ruby.

Rook pondered. “Gwendolyn?”

“Yeah.” Gwen answered, standing up to be with the others. “I’ll need to get close, though.”

“Getting Crescent Rose away from her is the first step of that!” Chromastone shouted.

The two cat Faunus immediately readied the grappling hook forms of their weapons, and fired at the scythe. Together, both Rook and Blake managed to pull the weapon away from the girl. Weiss then thrust her own weapon, Myrtenaster, into the ground, forming a black Glyph underneath herself. A matching one formed beneath Zs’Ruby.

“Semblance at least partially handled!”

Gwen then ran towards Zs’Ruby and Chromastone, the latter of which turned to Yang. “When the Grimm’s out, fire at me.”

“What?!”

“Just do it!”

Gwen rushed Ruby, and placed her right hand to her forehead. Three of her Charms lit up, and her Aura flashed over her body, beginning to transfer over to Ruby’s, fading from pink to red as it went to her. Her possessed eyes flashed between that of the Grimm, and her normal ones. Gwen focused harder, and Ruby panted a bit, before her eyes flashed a bright light again. The Zs’Skayr screeched in a higher pitched fashion than before as it escaped her, its phantom body burning. Gwen caught Ruby as she fainted.

“NOW!”

Yang cocked Ember Celica and fired off a Fire Bullet at Chromastone. It exploded upon impact, but his body was unscathed. A rainbow Aura flashed over his body, and he glared up at the Zs’Skayr.

“...Lights on!”

Chromastone put out his hands, and conducted ultraviolet energy at the Zs’Skayr. The beam made contact, and the creature continued crying out in pain as it disintegrated. Chromastone caught his breath.

“...WHAT IS THAT THING?!”

Chromastone’s relief was short lived. He turned about abruptly, as did the others, to see the civilians of the village had gathered. Their attention was solely on Chromastone.

“IT’S A MONSTER!”

“WHAT’S IT DOING HERE!?’

Gwen solemnly glanced back to her transformed cousin. Chromastone was looking away in shame, his fists clenched and shaking. The attention of everyone was then turned to something else. Howling.

“More Grimm.” Weiss commented.

Everyone turned, seeing a large pack of Beowolves approaching.

Chromastone groaned. “We’ve got a long night ahead of us.”

From afar, the view of the group killing the Zs’Skayr and getting ready for fighting the Beowolves was being watched. Atop a treebranch sat the serial killing Faunus. Tyrian Callows.

“Hmm…” He pondered with a sinister smile, then chuckled lowly. “Our mistress will be pleased indeed.”

He stood up and did a somersault off the tree, making his way back… To her.

Albedo looked across the city of Mistral from a balcony. Decorations and preparations were already being made for the 41st Vytal Festival, despite it being several months away. The kingdoms always made sure they were ready far in advance. He pulled out his scroll, and looked at an image of his brother’s Team TRTL.

“She really found herself being paired with that ruffian, hm?”

Albedo glanced to the person speaking, seeing that Michael Morningstar had joined him.

“Still barking up that tree, are we?”

“Are you implying I lose my reasoning and motivation for our little endeavor?”

“If you do that, I won’t be the one punishing you.”

Michael hesitated and shuddered. Albedo chuckled some before walking passed him and motioning for him to follow.

“And where are we going now?”

“I’m going to request an audience. …With her .”

Though Albedo continued, Michael paused, a shocked look having come across his face.

Professor Lionheart led Albedo and Michael down a dark corridor, only barely lit up by torches every few feet.

“This had better truly be important, Albedo.” Lionheart commented. “If it turns out a waste of time, the punishment will fall on my head before yours.”

“I can assure you, professor. It will only serve to further our goals.”

A skeptical look crossed Lionheart’s face, though he was ahead of them and facing away, so they weren’t able to see.

They reached the end of the corridor, which led into a small, circular room. The only thing within the room was a creature known as the Seer. It was a jellyfish-like species of Grimm, with red tentacles ending in white, bony barbs. Its head was like a crystal ball, a yellow mist swirling within it, while small pieces of bone armor surrounded it.

“Your grace.” Lionheart spoke to the Seer.

The yellow mist within the Seer dissipated, revealing Salem on the other side. Arthur Watts and Hazel Rainart stood to either side of her. “Hello, Leonardo. Do you have something to report?”

“Pardon the interruption, ma’am. B-But no.”

Salem’s eyes narrowed. “No?”

“I’m not the one who wanted to call this meeting.” Leonardo stepped to the side, and Albedo stepped forward, and bowed.

“Ah. Young Albedo, was it?” Salem examined the boy. “Stand and speak, child.”

Albedo stood, looking into the Seer’s vision. “I believe I’ve determined a means of making our plans easier. I’ll need the help of Dr. Watts.”

This, of course, piqued Watts’ interest as he cocked an eyebrow. “What exactly did you need, boy?”

“I need you to collect files on all the teams participating in the Vytal Tournament.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“It’s important. And you obviously can already get files, like you have on our team.”

“Your single team was of no consequence, thanks to Lionheart, and then you conveyed to us the information regarding your brother’s team. But this?” Watts’ look turned skeptical. “You’re asking me to collect four academies’ worth of four years’ worth of students.”

“Are you saying you can’t?” Albedo challenged him.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Of course I can. It will just take a while. I can access Mistral’s systems without consequence, but I don’t currently have access to the other kingdoms.”

“The Vytal Tournament won’t be until autumn.” Salem clarified. “If young Albedo’s plan can indeed be of use, then you’ve plenty of time to get that taken care of, yes?”

“Of course. But we’ll need a plan for Vacuo. Cinder is already in Atlas and can grant us access from there, and Roman Torchwick in Vale covers there.” Watts spoke. “We’ll still be down a kingdom. Perhaps if Torchwick has additional contacts…”

“If I may,” Hazel finally spoke up. “I could meet with any of these contacts in Vacuo.”

Salem pondered, considering the situation before them. “Information on all of the students will prove useful, but I must ask…” She maintained eye contact with Albedo. “What exactly are you looking for?”

“Specifically? Students with powerful Semblances. Especially ones that can be easily used against them and their friends.”

“And what do you plan to do with that information?”

Albedo’s otherwise expressionless face was overcome by a smirk.

Chapter Text

"That boy needs to be contained!" A man's angry voice shouted.

A group of people were gathered around in Ozpin's office. Ozpin himself, Max, professors Goodwitch and Port, and both of Ben's parents, Carl and Sandra Tennyson. And of course, the person yelling. Mayor Coleman. He was an older, pudgy man who wore an almost entirely white suit, and a comically large hat to match.

"Mayor Coleman..." Ozpin was leaning forward, elbows on his desk, and hands before his face. It was clear that this conversation had gone on long enough to the point of him losing his patience. "Mr. Tennyson was working to help your village and keep it safe. Same as the rest of his team, same as the mentoring Team RWBY."

"What he was intending and what actually happened are two different things!" Coleman's face was turning a bright red. "The village ended up damaged from the oncoming Grimm attack. So... Who do I hold responsible for this? Do you intend to take the responsibility, Ozpin? Or you?" He looked at Port. "It was an assignment you gave them! What about you two? Or you?!" He looked at Carl and Sandra, then Max.

Carl then stood up, and neared Coleman. "My son intends to take the full responsibility. We already had a talk with him. And you will, too."

"What?! What could I possibly have to say to that little-"

Coleman was interrupted by the sound of the elevator ding, and the doors slid open. Ben stepped in, staggering a bit as he walked. Between his movements, and the bags under his eyes, it was clear he hadn't slept much since the mission.

"...You." Coleman scowled at the approaching Ben. "If it wasn't for you, my village- WHOA!" Coleman was forcefully shoved into his seat by Ben, who kept his face close to the startled Coleman, glaring back at him.

"Ben!" Sandra yelled, followed by Carl. "What do you think you're doing?!"

Glynda stepped forward to intervene, but Ozpin put his arm out to stop her. Ben continued his glare at Coleman before eventually backing up, stepping backwards away from him.

"For the last seven years of my life..." Ben's voice was just as groggy as his appearance. "I've hid my Semblance. I've refused to use it time and time again. Not just because it hurt. But because of people like you..."

"People like me? What, you mean normal people?!"

"I mean cowards."

Ben's sudden bluntness caught the room by surprise, with the exception of Ozpin, who hid a smirk.

"I've had the decency to not use my power because I knew people would be scared. That night in your village... I was holding out for any alternative. But it was the only thing that would've worked. I didn't do it just for fun, I did it because I had no choice."

"And your lack of choice-"

"Led to more Grimm, I'm well aware. And what did I do, then, huh? I'll tell you what I did. I stopped them. I helped to fight every Grimm that showed up. While you were hid away in your little town hall." Ben's breathing was erratic, the lack of sleep clearly getting to him. "I did what I had to do to help your people because that's what I do. It's what I'm here to learn how to do better. And if that's not enough for you then..."

Ben paused for a moment, trying to collect his scattered thoughts.

"...Then I guess I just got a lesson in people who won't be grateful for what you give them, and focus on the negatives, instead."

Taking a step away, Ben stumbled a bit, but managed to make his way over to the elevator. He stopped, and only partially glanced back.

"Next time your village needs protecting... Do it yourself. I won't be there."

Ben opened the elevator, and stepped in, taking his leave. Coleman was without words, simply trying to wrap his head around what just happened. He turned to Ozpin, who stood up, a slight smile across his face.

"I do believe we're done here. All things considered, I believe this was quite the successful meeting." He said, not noticing, or perhaps just ignoring, the way Max glared at him.

Ben exited the elevator once it reached the bottom floor. He stumbled out, but started making his way back to his dorm. He stepped out of the building, and almost walked right into someone.

"O-Oh. Sorry." He stepped back, embarrassed.

The person looked down at him. They wore a gradient purple top with white pants, as well as a purple witch's hat atop their head, which was covered by flowing white locks. They also had black boots.

"Are you alright?" They asked him. There was a genuine concern to the question, though their tone and expression were primarily neutral.

"Y-Yeah. Just.... Very, very tired." He cracked his neck, then a curious look came over his face. "Are... Are you meeting with Ozpin?"

"That I am. We're old acquaintances. Shion Zaiden." They introduced themselves.

"Pleasure." Ben responded. "Ten Bennyson- Er. No. That's not... Ben Tennyson. Sorry. Tired."

"...Are you sure you're fine?" Shion asked again. "Do you need assistance getting to your dorm?"

"No, no. It's fine, th-thanks. Excuse me." He yawned before stumbling around Shion.

Shion half turned about to watch Ben stumble away, studying the boy as he walked off. "...Hm."

There was a knocking at Team TRTL's door. Gwen opened up the door, a surprised look coming over her face. "Kai? Wh-" On the other side of the door was Kai Green of Team EKKO. And on her shoulder was where she was carrying a sleeping Ben. "What happened?"

"Found your cousin having fallen asleep in Beacon's courtyard. I couldn't get him to wake up long enough to get a straight answer about what happened so... I just brought him back here."

Gwen sighed. "Thank you." She stepped forward and took Ben onto her shoulder from Kai. "Sorry about this. It's a long story."

"No, no, it's fine. I'm happy to help." She flashed Gwen a smile, then turned to the sleeping Ben with a concerned look. "...Keep me updated on him, yeah?"

"Yeah, sure." Gwen smiled. "Thanks again."

"Any time." Kai nodded, and took her leave as Gwen closed the door.

Gwen walked the sleeping Ben over to his bed, and laid him down gently. She looked over at her other two teammates. As usual, it was difficult to get a read on Rook's feelings about the situation, especially as he was focusing on studying over his class notes at the moment. However, she noticed that Kevin had given Ben a slight concerned glance before turning away.

"Something wrong?"

"Huh?" Kevin feigned innocence.

"You seemed a bit worried." She walked over and sat on her bed across from him on his own. "Come on. What is it?"

Kevin crossed his arms, looking away while trying to keep up his tough guy routine. This was short-lived, however, as he glanced back at Gwen, and relented upon seeing her look of genuine concern. "I just... I think if I had kept my guard up this situation wouldn't have happened."

"Kevin."

"The Grimm wouldn't have gotten to me, and a scene wouldn't have been made. Ben wouldn't have had to transform, and-"

"Kevin, you're not being fair to yourself. It's not your fault."

"It sure feels like it is."

"Gwendolyn is right, Kevin." Rook spoke up, surprising the two. Though, he kept his attention on his work. "A Grimm attack can come at the most inopportune and unexpected moments. Even if your guard is up, it does not ensure the Grimm will not arrive." He looked up from his notes, and finally expressed some emotion by giving the two a slight smile. "It is not your fault anymore than it is anyone else's. It is not anyone's fault, for that matter."

"...Um..." Gwen cleared her throat, then nodded. "Yeah. What Rook said."

Kevin blinked, then gave an exaggerated groan of frustration. "You two are too perceptive for me." This prompted a chuckle from Gwen.

By the time Ben had woken up, it was night, and the rest of his team was asleep. He stood from his bed, and quietly stepped outside into the hallway. Walking down the hallways, he found himself meeting with the cat Faunus of Team RWBY.

"...Blake?" Ben asked, still a bit groggy but far better than earlier.

"Hey, Ben." Blake said softly. "I didn't take you for a night owl."

"Yeah, it's just been a long day. ...Okay, not really, I slept through most of it, but still."

Blake chuckled. "Well, I guess it's lucky I ran into you. Come on, I wanna show you something." Blake started leading the way, and Ben followed with a mix of confusion and curiosity.

Blake had led Ben to just outside of school grounds. She placed her Scroll on a small rock, and set it to project a hologram. A large amount of text scrolled on the screen before landing on the single word 'Ice.'

"What is this?" Ben asked.

"My team's been talking, and, if it's okay with you, we want to try to help you feel more comfortable using your Semblance."

"...Blake."

"I know, I know. Considering everything, it's not the best timing. But we wanna help, only if you're willing to let us, though."

Ben considered for a moment, then glanced up at the hologram again. "What does that have to do with it?"

"Should you decide to let us help, I made up a little randomizer to determine the Dust types or combinations used for your Semblance. Gwen helped me with which types are in your watch."

Ben rolled his eyes with a slight smirk. "Of course she was willing to help. She's always wanted me to be more outgoing with my Semblance. You sure you wanna do this, though?"

"It's only if you want to."

It took Ben a few minutes, thinking about the night in the village, as well as some of what Coleman had said. However, he shook his head, trying to silence those voices. He looked back at Blake, a semi-determined look on his face. "Alright. Let's do it."

Blake gave a soft smirk. Ben activated the Omnitrix, selecting the Ice Dust icon, and pressing down on the core. A few moments later, Blake was swinging about the forest, dodging the icy beams generated by Ben's Arctiguana transformation.

The Scroll hologram randomized again. 'Rock' and 'Combustion.'

Blake attached the katana blade of Gambol Shroud into a tree, then swing to another tree on the other side of a path. She pulled the ribbon tight, and the yellow sphere form of Cannonbolt rolled in, hitting the ribbon, and enough tension was built up for him to be thrown back in the direction he came.

'Metal. Hard-Light.'

Blake looked around, not seeing Ben anywhere. Her ears twitched, straining to hear him. Her eyes widened, and she pulled out Gambol Shroud. She threw it to the side, realizing that it had a black and cyan pattern across it. It generated tripod-like legs to stand on, then shot out an energy net that managed to catch her. However, she used her Semblance to escape it. She glared back at the weapon, and its legs retracted as the amorphous form of Upgrade pulled off of it, holding her weapon. He gave her a cheeky shrug.

'Wind. Combustion.'

Chased by Ben's current transformation, Blake continuously dodged with the use of her Shadow Semblance creating decoy clones. However, she was caught off guard as Fasttrack sped around to where she was headed, and he managed to land a hit on her.

'Lightning. Fire. Ice.'

Ben paused. "...I've. Um. Never done more than two types for a transformation."

"First time for everything, right?" Blake responded.

Although hesitant, Ben slowly began selecting the Dust types necessary. Blake took hold of his hand, catching his attention.

"I was only half-serious. Like I said-"

"I-I want to try it." Ben said, surprising himself as much as he did Blake.

Smiling, she let go of his hand, and he continued. He pressed down on the device's core. When his Aura flash diminished, he was shown to be an odd creature that was half-reptilian, half-bat, and all around weird. His body was covered in eyes, colored blue, red, and yellow, for each dust type he was made of. Ironically, none were on his face, instead having bat-like ears growing off of them.

Blake stared in awe for a moment. "...Well?"

"It feels... Very weird." He lifted his arms, his multiple eyes glancing all over his new body. "I'm not used to being able to see all around me."

His eyes then glanced back to Blake as he heard her ready Gambol Shroud. The two smirked, and Blake immediately dodged a blast of ice from Eye Guy's blue eyes. She also luckily managed to dodge a blast of lightning from the yellow eyes. Eye Guy put his hands out, and eyes on the palms opened up. They flashed between the different colors, blasting the three elements each time they changed. Blake lept from a tree to evade another attack, but glanced back in shock as she realized Eye Guy had used fire for this one. Before she could react, however, he immediately blasted the fire with ice, cancelling it out. She sighed with relief, then turned to him.

"Close call."

"You're telling me. Let's just be glad we didn't roll for me to become Heatblast. That might've burned the whole forest down."

"...Heatblast?"

"Oh. Um. Well. I've kind of taken to naming the transformations. Makes it easier than saying their Dust types." Eye Guy awkwardly scratched at the back of his neck, and Blake chuckled.

From afar, and unbeknownst to Eye Guy or Blake, a curious Kai Green had watched the scene unfold.

Ben and Blake made it back to the dorms right after sunrise. Ben yawned as he reached the door. He opened it slightly, but stopped.

"What is it?" Blake inquired.

Ben turned to her with a slight smile. "Thanks. I... I've never really had fun with my Semblance before. But... I enjoyed that."

Blake patted his shoulder. "We're here when you need us."

Ben nodded, and Blake took her leave. Ben walked into the dorm and closed the door behind him. He realized he was alone in the room, the rest of Team TRTL having already woken up and left already. Yawning once more, Ben stretched before making himself comfortable and going to sleep.

Not too long later, the window to the team's dorm opened. Quietly, something stepped inside. This 'something' was a blue and purple manta-like creature. Albedo's version of the Jetray transformation. Ensuring he was alone, he made his way towards Ben, as silent as possible. In his hand, he held a small container that he opened, and a black and white crescent-shaped seed was let out. It fell to Ben, and faded into pink energy upon making contact. A dark colored pattern of a thorny root or vine appeared on Ben's neck, and his content face changed to one of discomfort.

"Sweet dreams, brother." Negative Jetray taunted before escaping back out the window.